Software Evaluation Guide for

Autodesk* 3ds Max* 9

http://www.intelcapabiliitesforum.net

Version 2006-09
Rev. 1.0
Performance tests and ratings are measured using specific computer systems and/or components and reflect the approximate
performance of Intel products as measured by those tests. Any difference in system hardware or software design or
configuration may affect actual performance. Buyers should consult other sources of information to evaluate the performance
of systems or components they are considering purchasing. For more information on performance tests and on the
performance of Intel products, visit Intel Performance Benchmark Limitations
(http://www.intel.com/performance/resources/limits.htm).

Information in this document is provided in connection with Intel products. No license, express or implied, by estoppel or
otherwise, to any intellectual property rights is granted by this document. Except as provided in Intel’s Terms and Conditions
of Sale for such products, Intel assumes no liability whatsoever, and Intel disclaims any express or implied warranty, relating
to sale and/or use of Intel products including liability or warranties relating to fitness for a particular purpose, merchantability,
or infringement of any patent, copyright or other intellectual property right. Intel products are not intended for use in medical,
life saving, or life sustaining applications.
Intel may make changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time, without notice.
Designers must not rely on the absence or characteristics of any features or instructions marked “reserved” or “undefined.”
Intel reserves these for future definition and shall have no responsibility whatsoever for conflicts or incompatibilities arising
from future changes to them.
®
Intel Processors may contain design defects or errors known as errata. Current characterized errata are available on request.
® ®
Hyper-Threading Technology requires a computer system with an Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 840 or an Intel
Pentium 4 Processor supporting HT Technology and an HT Technology enabled chipset, BIOS and operating system.
Performance will vary depending on the specific hardware and software you use. See www.intel.com/info/hyperthreading for
more information including details on which processors support HT Technology.
Contact your local Intel sales office or your distributor to obtain the latest specifications and before placing your product order.
Copies of documents which have an ordering number and are referenced in this document, or other Intel literature, may be
obtained by calling 1-800-548-4725 or by visiting Intel’s Website at http://www.intel.com.
Copyright © 2006 Intel Corporation.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

About this Document
This document is a guide measuring performance of the Intel® Processors on application software. The
primary audience for this document includes individuals, publications, OEMs and technical analysts whose
goal is to test or evaluate the performance benefits and features of the Pentium Processor. If there are
questions that are not answered here on software application performance evaluation of the Pentium
Processor, please contact your Intel representative.
Each software application test measures different aspects of processor and/or system performance. While no
single numerical measurement can completely describe the performance of a complex device like a
microprocessor or a personal computer, application tests can be useful tools for comparing different
components and systems. The following results and procedures give a glimpse of the performance of certain
software applications, however your own usage of each application may vary from what is shown here. The
only totally accurate way to measure the performance of your system, is to test the actual software
applications you use, in the way you use them, on your computer system. Test results published by Intel are
measured on specific systems or components using specific hardware and software configurations, and any
differences between those configurations (including software) and your configuration may make those results
inapplicable to your component or system.

Software application tests are, at most, only one kind of information that you may use during the purchasing
process. To get a true picture of the performance of a component or system you are considering purchasing,
you must consult other sources of information (such as performance information on the exact system you are
considering purchasing). If you have any questions about the performance of any Intel microprocessor,
please view the detailed performance briefs and reports published by Intel or call Intel at (US) 1-800-628-
8686 or 916-356-3104.
Chapter 1
Processor Performance on Autodesk* 3DS Max* 9

1.0 Software Description

Autodesk* 3DS Max 9 is a popular animation modeling, and rendering solution for film, television, games
and design visualization. It contains the essential high-productivity tools required for creating eye-catching
film and television animation, cutting-edge games, and distinct design visualizations.

For more information about Autodesk* 3DS Max 9, visit http://www.Autodesk.com/

1.1 Workload Description

The workload used in this document is called Dragon_Character_Rig.max. The workload consists of a scene
of a Dragon_Character_Rig.max rendered at 1920x1080. One frame is rendered. The render options set are
Atmospherics, Effects and Displacement. The advanced lighting options are also set.
Chapter 2
Procedure for evaluating processor performance
The following is a procedure for evaluating processor performance while creating 3D images using
Autodesk* 3DS Max* 9. Run this test on a system running Windows* XP or Windows* Vista*.

2.0 Run Instructions:

1. Install 3ds Max using default settings.

2. Select OpenGL if prompted for a software driver setting during the install process or if prompted when
the application is first launched.

3. After installation is complete, reboot the computer.

4. Double click the icon for 3DS Max to launch the application. The window below should appear.

5. From the File menu, go to File Æ Open. This will open up the dialog below. Under
c:\SEGs\3dsmax\Scenes\Characters\Complete, load the scene called Dragon_Character_Rig.max. You
may need to copy the contents of the Scenes directory manually from your installation cd to
c:\SEGs\3dsmax\Scenes\Characters\Complete prior to opening the file.
6. This will bring up the window below.

7. In the Render menu, choose the item for Render options. This will bring up the dialog below. Set the
time output to Single and set the output size to be HDTV (video) which is 1920 x 1080. The options
should appear as shown in the dialog below.
8. Next, Click the Render button in the bottom right corner of the dialog. The render progress dialog below
will then appear.
9. Once rendering is finished, you will see the finished output in the window below.
10. Go to the File menu and click on Summary Info to get details of the scene just rendered. Look at the
value under the heading Rendering where it says Last Animation Time. That is the time taken to render
the scene. Record this value.